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AN ACT RELATIVE TO PARENTAL LEAVEAn Act Relative to Parental Leave expands the current maternity leave law, G.L. c. 149, § 105D, which is enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). The new law goes into effect on April 7, 2015. Download the Parental Leave Fact Sheet for more information about how this Act expands the current leave law.

Worcester – Friday, January 16, 2015 – The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the state’s civil rights agency, proudly announces the opening of its new office in downtown Worcester, MA, across the street from the historic City Hall. This new location will allow the MCAD to better serve existing and future residents in the heart of the Commonwealth.

“This is an important move for the MCAD and the people we serve, ensuring that we can provide all of the support necessary for the citizens of Worcester County,” said Jamie R. Williamson, Chairwoman of the MCAD. Thanking the city for its years of support, the Chairwoman continued, “The MCAD is committed to providing timely and effective services to all of Massachusetts, and this office will expand our capabilities to meet a growing demand.”

With the expanded space, MCAD will be able to run larger trainings for businesses and landlords, as well as hold mediations and hearings on site, services the branch office was not able to provide before. “This move will allow all parties to save valuable time and money by keeping cases in the same location for the entire process,” Chairwoman Williamson said.

Have you been discriminated against?
We can help!

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is the state's chief
civil rights agency. The Commission works to eliminate discrimination on a
variety of bases and areas, and strives to advance the civil rights of the
people of the Commonwealth through law enforcement, outreach and training. For a
complete list of protected classes in the Areas
of Discrimination.

How does the MCAD process work?

A charge of discrimination must be filed in person at the Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) offices. If you believe you have been
discriminated against, you should come to the MCAD immediately to file a
complaint. In all but a few exceptions, the MCAD cannot accept complaints
based on incidents over 300 days old.

MEETINGS AND HEARINGS

Training

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) provides training
to the public, including:

Supervisors and Managers

Attorneys

Housing Providers

Community Groups

Employees

Human Resource Professionals

Realtors

Tenants and Home Buyers

MCAD workplace-based training for employees, supervisors, and managers is
provided to employers. Training sessions range from two hours to four days,
depending on the topics covered. All training programs include a number of
interactive exercises, such as case studies, role plays, and quizzes.